Arif Bhamjee

A Batley man, Arif Bhamjee, has been sentenced to four years in prison for sexually assaulting a child more than two decades ago. The offences, which involved two counts of indecent assault, occurred in the Kirklees area in 2004. Bhamjee, aged 43 and residing on Oakhill Road in Batley, was convicted following a trial at Leeds Crown Court.

The case came to light in 2022 when the victim reported the abuse to the police, prompting an investigation by the Kirklees Child Safeguarding Unit. Bhamjee was arrested in May 2022 and subsequently summonsed to appear in court in August 2023. On 23 January 2025, a jury found him guilty of the charges. He was sentenced on Friday, 7 March 2025, at Leeds Crown Court, where Judge [name not specified] imposed the four-year custodial sentence and an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order to protect females under the age of 18 from potential future harm.

Detective Constable Leia Houtekamer of the Kirklees Child Safeguarding Unit commended the victim's bravery in coming forward after such a long period. She stated: “I want to praise the courage of the victim in this case for coming forwards and reporting the offending Bhamjee committed against her. We know how difficult it can be for victims to disclose the abuse they suffered, especially so long after it occurred but their bravery in doing so is vital in allowing us to identify and take action against child sex offenders such as Bhamjee.” The investigation underscores the police's commitment to pursuing historical sexual abuse cases, with DC Houtekamer adding: “Thanks to the victim, this man is behind bars and will be subject to indefinite restrictions imposed to protect young females from him in future.”

The sentencing reflects the seriousness of child sex offences, even when reported years later. West Yorkshire Police, through their dedicated safeguarding unit, continue to encourage victims to report abuse regardless of the time elapsed, assuring thorough investigations into all disclosures.